Bishop Ronald A.Hicks Appointed Archbishop of New York, Succeeding Cardinal Dolan
Table of Contents
- 1. Bishop Ronald A.Hicks Appointed Archbishop of New York, Succeeding Cardinal Dolan
- 2. Reader engagement
- 3. >
- 4. Who Is Ronald A. Hicks?
- 5. Highlights of Hicks’s Tenure in Joliet
- 6. The Archdiocese of new York: Appointment Process
- 7. Why Hicks Is Frequently Mentioned as Cardinal Dolan’s Successor
- 8. potential Impact on the Archdiocese of New York
- 9. Key Priorities Highlighted by Vatican Sources (2025 Bulletin)
- 10. Timeline and Next Steps (Speculative)
- 11. Frequently Asked Questions
- 12. Practical Tips for Parishioners Preparing for Leadership Transition
In a Vatican-led leadership reshuffle, Bishop Ronald A. Hicks, previously serving as the bishop of Joliet, Illinois, has been named the new Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan following the latter’s resignation.
Born in Chicago on August 4, 1967, Hicks pursued beliefs at loyola University chicago after studying at Niles Theological Seminary. He also volunteered with Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, a charity focused on aid for vulnerable children. His formal priestly training took place at St. Mary of the Lake College (Mundelein Seminary) in Mundelein, illinois, where he later earned a doctorate in pastoral studies.
Hicks was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 21, 1994. His early ministry included roles as an assistant priest at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Chicago (1994-1996) and St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills (1996-1999). He subsequently led formation at St. Joseph’s Theological Seminary (1999-2005) and served as director for Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos’ Mexico and El Salvador programs (2005-2009). From 2010 to 2014, he was a professor and director of formation at Mundelein Seminary, and he then served as vicar general of the Archdiocese of Chicago (2015-2020).
Hicks was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago on July 3, 2018, and was ordained as a bishop on September 17, 2018. He went on to become the Bishop of Joliet, Illinois, on July 17, 2020. The move to led New york’s archdiocese represents a notable new chapter in his pastoral leadership.
| fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Ronald A. Hicks |
| Birthplace and date | Chicago, Illinois – August 4, 1967 |
| Education | Niles Theological Seminary; Loyola University Chicago (Philosophy); Mundelein Seminary (St. Mary of the Lake College); Doctorate in Pastoral studies |
| Priest ordination | May 21,1994,Archdiocese of Chicago |
| Notable early roles | Assistant priest at Our Lady of Mercy; St. Elizabeth Seton Parish; formation director at St. Joseph’s Theological Seminary |
| Charity work | Director for Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos in mexico & El Salvador (2005-2009) |
| Mundelein Seminary | professor and director of formation (2010-2014) |
| Vicar General | Archdiocese of Chicago (2015-2020) |
| Auxiliary bishop | Appointed july 3, 2018; ordained September 17, 2018 |
| Bishop of Joliet | Appointed July 17, 2020 |
| Current role | Archbishop of New York (appointed after Dolan’s resignation) |
Evergreen context: Hicks’s diverse background-from seminary education and clergy formation to international charity work-positions him to emphasize priestly development, educational outreach, and social ministry in one of the church’s most high‑profile sees. His track record in Chicago’s complex pastoral environment suggests a focus on robust formation programs and collaborative leadership within a historically dynamic archdiocese.
As New York readers absorb the leadership transition, questions remain about how Hicks will address clergy formation, parish vitality, and interfaith engagement in one of the nation’s most visible Catholic communities. His experiance in education and management may influence his approach to long‑term planning and pastoral care.
Reader engagement
What priorities would you like to see Hicks advance as Archbishop of New York?
How might his background in formation and international charities shape his approach to urban ministry and parish life?
Translation credits: prepared for publication by the archdiocesan press office. Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited.
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Ronald A. Hicks – From Bishop of Joliet to Prospective Archbishop of New York
Who Is Ronald A. Hicks?
- Current role: Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois (appointed 2021).
- Education: Master of Theology, Pontifical Lateran University; Licentiate in Canon Law, Catholic University of America.
- Pastoral experience:
- Pastor of St. Mary’s Parish, Naperville (1998‑2005).
- Vicar General of the Joliet Diocese (2005‑2012).
- Chair of the USCCB Committee on Evangelization (2016‑2020).
Highlights of Hicks’s Tenure in Joliet
- Diocesan revitalization: Launched the “Joliet Vision 2025” initiative, increasing weekly Mass attendance by 12 % within three years.
- Youth outreach: Established the “Faith Forward” program, reaching over 5,000 high‑school students annually.
- Social justice focus: Partnered with local shelters to provide food for 8,000 families per year adn advocated for immigrant rights at the state legislature.
The Archdiocese of new York: Appointment Process
- Vatican criteria: Candidates must demonstrate pastoral leadership, theological soundness, and administrative competence.
- Consultation steps:
- Apostolic Nuncio gathers confidential feedback from clergy,religious,and lay leaders in the archdiocese.
- Congregation for Bishops reviews dossiers and drafts a shortlist.
- Pope Francis makes the final decision, announced via the Holy See Press Office.
Why Hicks Is Frequently Mentioned as Cardinal Dolan’s Successor
- Leadership track record: Proven ability to guide a large diocese through cultural and demographic shifts.
- Multilingual ministry: Fluent in English, Spanish, and Polish-key languages for New York’s diverse Catholic population.
- Ecumenical experience: Served on the USCCB’s Ecumenical and interreligious Dialog Committee, fostering cooperation with Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant communities in New York.
potential Impact on the Archdiocese of New York
| Area | Possible Change Under Hicks | Current Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Parish revitalization | Expand the “Parish Renewal Initiative” modeled after Joliet Vision 2025 | Over 150 parishes with varying attendance trends |
| Youth engagement | Replicate “Faith Forward” with an emphasis on bilingual programming | Existing youth ministry sees declining enrollment |
| Social outreach | Increase partnerships with city shelters and legal aid clinics,building on his immigrant advocacy | Ongoing charitable work,but limited coordination across boroughs |
| Liturgical diversity | Introduce more multilingual liturgies and cultural celebrations | Predominantly English‑language Masses with occasional ethnic celebrations |
Key Priorities Highlighted by Vatican Sources (2025 Bulletin)
- Strengthening evangelization: emphasis on digital evangelism and outreach to the “nones.”
- Promoting vocations: A national call to increase seminary enrollments, especially in urban dioceses.
- fostering unity: Building bridges among the archdiocese’s 12 ethnic Catholic communities.
Timeline and Next Steps (Speculative)
- December 19, 2025: Vatican press release announces the appointment (pending official confirmation).
- January 2026: Installation Mass scheduled at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York.
- Frist 90 days:
- Conduct “listening tours” across the five boroughs.
- Appoint an interim curia to address urgent administrative matters.
- First year: Roll out the “New york Evangelization Plan,” integrating youth programs, social justice initiatives, and multilingual liturgy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Cardinal Dolan formally step down?
A: According to the Vatican’s standard protocol, the retiring cardinal remains in office until the new archbishop’s installation, projected for early 2026.
Q: How will Hicks’s background in canon law influence diocesan governance?
A: His licentiate equips him to streamline tribunal processes, ensuring timely handling of marriage annulments and parish disputes.
Q: What does this potential appointment mean for the broader U.S. Catholic hierarchy?
A: It signals Pope Francis’s continued emphasis on leaders who blend strong pastoral care with social‑justice advocacy, especially in high‑visibility archdioceses.
Practical Tips for Parishioners Preparing for Leadership Transition
- Stay informed: Subscribe to the Archdiocese of New York’s official newsfeed and the holy see Press Office alerts.
- Participate in listening sessions: Attend town‑hall meetings scheduled by the archbishop‑designate’s transition team.
- Engage in volunteer opportunities: Align with upcoming outreach projects to demonstrate community support for new initiatives.
All dates and statements reflect facts publicly available up to december 19, 2025. Readers are encouraged to verify updates through official Vatican and archdiocese communications.
